Art student named one of eight finalists in Dunkin’ Donuts competition

America might run on Dunkin’, but for the past two months the doughnut chain’s in-store marketing efforts have been fueled by the creative work of Jessica Chao ’12. The graphic design major was selected as one of eight finalists in Dunkin’ Donuts’ first “Donut Art” competition, which challenged art students in the New York metro area to create an original design using the company’s logo. Chao’s entry (pictured at left) was displayed in storefront windows at 1,500 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants throughout the Tri-State region in September and October.

Chao, who learned about the competition through her involvement with TCNJ’s Art Student Association, said she was both “happy and shocked” to be chosen as one of the finalists.

“I wanted to enter because…I thought it would be a great opportunity to get myself out there,” said Chao, who plans to pursue a career in graphic design after she graduates. “I never thought I would actually win something.”

Although she missed out on the top prize—a student from Poughkeepsie, NY, will have her work featured on limited edition doughnut boxes—Chao was nevertheless thrilled with the outcome.

“Knowing people are viewing my design is a nice reward for me,” she said.